Netanyahu tells Likud ministers he is considering early ballot

          PM Binyamin Netanyahu says he is considering the possibility of bringing forward the Knesset elections, which otherwise would not take place until late next year. Netanyahu was speaking at a weekly meeting of Likud cabinet ministers. Over the weekend, individuals close to the prime minister approached advisers of opposition leader Shaul Mofaz over the matter. Minister Eli Yishai says the election campaign is being launched on the backs of the Haredi sector. He was referring to the assertion that a split within the government coalition over recruitment of Haredim into the military or other national service could lead to the early election. But Yishai maintained that no party is ready for an early election as much as his Shas Party.